Vaillancourt: Father Denis Vaillancourt

Denis Vaillancourt

Roman Catholic priest. Ordained 1974 for the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, Ontario. Studied Canon Law at Ottawa’s St. Paul U at same time as married layman Jacques Leduc – the two served together on the diocesan tribunal.

Served as Chaplain at La Citadelle high School. Assisted Father Gilles Deslaurier with French youth group R Cubed. Later Vaillancourt was assisted by Father Luc Bouchard, – Bouchard, who would later become bishop of the Diocese of St. Paul, Alberta, is now Bishop of the Diocese of Trois Rivieres, Quebec

Has served as Chancellor of the diocese.

Has said that the sex abuse of boys is serious only if the child is pre-pubescent

Father Vaillancourt testified in French at the Cornwall Public Inquiry 26, 27 June 2008.

DOB: 31 October 1945 (Glen Robertson, Ontario)

1970: B.A. (Ottawa U)

1973: Saint Paul U. (Ottawa, Ontario)

1974: ORDAINED for Diocese of Alexandria (now Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall)

1980: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Cornwall with Fathers Aimee Leduc, M. Lalonde and Edouard Berube. Berube was one of the Viatorian priests who originally taught at the Classical College – he stayed on in the diocese after the college closed in 1969.

?? 1980 – ??? Assisted with youth group known as R Cube (R 3 ). R Cube was initially run by Father Gilles Deslaurier (convicted paedophile).

According to One Hundred Thousand Welcomes: The Story of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall 1890-1990 Father Deslaurier “was helped with this work by Father Luc Bouchard. With the departure of Father Bouchard for studies in Rome, he was replaced by Father Denis Vaillancourt.” (Luc Bouchard is now Bishop of the Diocese of St. Paul, Alberta)

1985: According to the book “In the Fall of 1985, Father Denis Vaillancourt was named chaplain of La Citadelle. Father Vaillancourt continued his involvement with R Cube by sending groups of young people for retreats in Ottawa and Valleyfield Quebec.”

(900 young people from the diocese attended R Cube between the years of 1977 and the Spring of 1984 alone.)

– listed as the diocesan contact for the R Cube in the 1991 Canadian Catholic Church Directory.

1993: – listed as the diocesan contact for the R Cube in the 1993 Canadian Catholic Church Directory.

1994: – listed as the diocesan contact for the R Cube in the 1994 Canadian Catholic Church Directory.

13 May 2002: After Jacques Leduc’s first stay on sex abuse charges a group of parents, supporters and victims met with Father Vaillancourt at the diocesan centre. During the meeting Father Vaillancourt implied that sex abuse of teenage boys was really no big deal – according to him sex abuse of boys is only a serious matter if the boys are pre-pubescent. At this the mother of a Leduc victim broke down in tears. Vaillancourt also told the group that Bishop Eugene Larocque put $50,000 of his own monies into diocesan coffers to help defray legal costs.

MEDIA Coverage

Cornwall Standard Freeholder

03 July 2008

Posted By TREVOR PRITCHARD

A Roman Catholic priest who learned in 1986 two young men had been sexually abused by one of his colleagues didn’t think of telling the police or the Children’s Aid Society, the Cornwall Public Inquiry heard Wednesday.

Rev. Denis Vaillancourt said that Benoit Brisson and Claude Thibault wanted their allegations against Rev. Gilles Deslauriers “resolved quietly within the confines of the church.”

“These individuals were victims,” said Vaillancourt, who testified in French through a translator. “They were victimized by a priest and I did not want to go counter to what they wanted.”

Deslauriers was initially charged with 16 sex-related offences after Brisson went to the media with his allegations. He pleaded guilty in November 1986 to four counts of gross indecency, and received two years’ probation.

Before the allegations surfaced, Deslauriers had been a full-time chaplain at La Citadelle, a French language high school in Cornwall. He and Vaillancourt also ran a spiritual retreat for young people between 18 and 25 at the time.

Vaillancourt testified he was part of an ad hoc committee that the Alexandria-Cornwall Roman Catholic Diocese struck after then-bishop Eugene LaRocque removed Deslauriers from his parish in February 1986.

Dallas Lee, an attorney for The Victims Group, showed Vaillancourt a comment he made to that committee in which he appeared to be “scared” the school board might become legally involved in the case.

Vaillancourt told Lee that, as was the case with the police and the CAS, he didn’t inform the school board because Brisson and Thibault wanted the matter dealt with by the church.

“I have never had any intention of going against the law, obviously, and when the police got involved, you can see by the documents that I cooperated fully,” said Vaillancourt.

Brisson’s mother, Lise, told the inquiry in October 2006 one of the reasons her family went public with the allegations against Deslauriers was a lack of action on the diocese’s part.

Vaillancourt testified last week that the diocese had no strict protocol in 1986 for dealing with sexual abuse allegations against priests.

One of the reasons the ad hoc committee formed was to deal with complaints that Deslauriers had begun serving at a parish in the Gatineau- Hull area, Vaillancourt said.

“This was fresh ground for you, and there’s others involved in this who were concerned, correct?” asked Peter Wardle, an attorney for the Citizens for Community Renewal.

“Yes, that’s so,” said Vaillancourt. Lee asked Vaillancourt if the diocese ever canvassed its employees to see if there were any other “problem priests” after Deslauriers was convicted.

Vaillancourt said while there were annual “assessments” of the clergy’s job performance, he didn’t know if the diocese was ever looking at whether priests were abusing children.

Yesterday’s testimony wrapped up early after Lee announced his intention to put a list of 19 names to Vaillancourt, in order to see if he’d ever received allegations against them.

That led to vigorous objections from diocese lawyer David Sherriff- Scott, who said it would be “grossly prejudicial” and time-consuming to publicly name the names.

Lee argued that the people on his list had already been named in statements or affidavits posted on websites or had come up during previous testimony.

“It is inconceivable to me that any person on this list would come as a surprise to anybody in this room,” Lee said.

Inquiry commissioner Normand Glaude adjourned the hearings before delivering his decision. It’s expected the matter will be cleared up, and that Vaillancourt will finish testifying, when the inquiry resumes this morning.

Article ID# 1097955

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Comments

Oh my aching f*cking head, he didn’t think of going to either the CAS or the cops (not that either would probably do any good, judging from hindsight!), what was he thinking or did that come with training? Seems to me that priests got “covertly” transferred to other diocese when they got caught sexually abusing little boys, ask that priest Law in the States, I think they even made him a Bishop or Cardinal or something when it was learned just exactly what HE knew and or did. So from the sounds of it, this Vaillancourt knew that 2 boys had been sexually abused by this clown and if this clown had abused those two, chances were pretty good that even HE should have known that there may have been more! And as for his statement made above and I quote: “I have never had any intention of going against the law, obviously, and when the police got involved, you can see by the documents that I cooperated fully,” said Vaillancourt.” I’m still shaking my head. So according to him, he never thought of going either to the cops or CAS but when the cops came to HIM, then HE cooperated fully, I guess he didn’t want his butt thrown in the slammer. It’s going to prove interesting to hear about what he has to say about that list of 19 names that Lee will be asking him about. I don’t even think that GOD himself should have mercy on any of those priests and others who either knew or sexually abused any of those kids and I hope the whole lot of them rot in Hell and I’m not even sure if Satan would want them either. Sexual abuse against children in CornHole and it when on for decades that we know of and people in CornHole still bury their collective head in the sand. Congratulations are again in order eh CornHole. I wonder what the “good” citizenry of CornHole are thinking now or are they STILL in DENIAL?

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #1 By booga-booga

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Listening to this Priest shows the coverup by them and the lack of remorse they have for the grief they caused these victims and the fact taht they transfer an abuser to another district show there total disregard for the protection of children. In my play book he is nothing but a lair and shows the church has little reqard for anyone but themselves.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #2 By what justice

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I’ve been out of town for a few days. Glad to be back to the “hacksville” tabloid.
Just “wonderful”, isn’t it? No mandatory reporting/duty to report by the “Church” and no reason to think, “maybe the police or “CAS” must be notified”. So, let’s see, the police didn’t think they had to report, the clergy didn’t think they had to report, probation and parole were jokes, etc., etc., Ha!! Ha!! Ha!!

And I suppose, in his final report, Commissioner Glaude will find “shared responsibility”, incompetence, inadequate knowledge or resources, etc., etc. as the cause and provide funding to the waiting “pack of snots”. That is, after the lawyers have received their “pounds”.

And the ongoing litigations, now partially, publicly disclosed? Well-disgusting, just disgusting; who financed them…WHO? Believe me, there are many, many, many other litigations and/or settlements, to this story. This is exactly why the “mal-practice, liability insurance carrier, lawyers” streamed into the public inquiry and were granted standing and funding; to protect their previous assertions/representations, existing and anticipated “suits”; no other reason, NONE!!!….and in all cases, funded by the public.

Oh, “2 sides”, re: coffee meeting”. Way back (Saturday, June 28, 2008 postings?), I was referencing your post#26 therein, when I reiterated my invitation to you for a coffee meeting in Cornwall. However, I certainly understand some possible reasons for your “muddle-headed” depiction of the facts.

And, oh yes, you “can’t remember” who told you who I am, but, you don’t know who I am, but you feel it necessary, as others have, to suggest where I live or who I am.
“Local Reader” once said something like, “James, as I recall, you left Cornwall for greener pastures…”. In the billions of people on this earth, who have access to the “Standard-Freeholder” site, “Local Reader” and you, narrow down the James’ of the world.

How about getting to know me? “SaintPeter-47”, I’ll meet the group. Name the place in Cornwall and time…mutually agreed upon, of course.

By chance “2sides”, based on the above, was it you who was contracted (over $250,000.) to prepare “Cornwall Police Services” to testify at the “public inquiry”, sounds like it.
Just a note on “rumour and innuendo”. I was re-visiting notes on politics, public opinion, affluent personalities, surrounding, “rumour and innuendo”. I was listening to a tape on the topic.

According to my learnings and experiences, “rumour and innuendo” is the easiest of all perceived “attacks” to dispel. On the contrary and to be brief, hiring a truckload of lawyers, filing litigation after litigation, after litigation and spending MILLIONS, to silence or coerce, complainants or their agents, is in part, perceived negatively by the public and borders on a laymen’s perception of an “admission of guilt”..

DO you want to know how to dispel rumour and innuendo, for good? I know and I am available to conduct a fifteen minute seminar; cost to politicians, lawyers and their surrogates=two million dollars. Cost to laymen and some professionals=no charge.

Finally, again, I have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. I am not burdened with stress, anxiety, fear or sickness, because I know and accept ME, I know the facts and I trust in God’s Will, not mine. FAITH.

As far as the so-called, “Cornwall Public Inquiry” and some contributors to the site are concerned, I offer this; “Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.” (quotation)

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #3 By JAMES “SPEAK OUT”,

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These people that represent the church make me sick with their excuses. They did nothin g to prevent that priest from molesting again and they did nothing to make sure no other victims were around they quietly swept it under the rug.

That is what a cover up is all about.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #4 By Dodger

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This priest does not have contempt for the court he has contempt for the intelligence of people in this community. He is as bad as the one that did the molesting of the victims because he helped to cover the whole thing up instead of doing the right thing which was to report it to CAS and or the police. Except the police part might be a little sketchy since they bungled the job themselves.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #5 By Dodger

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It a sad day for Cornwall al of 5 folks comment on this article, is it lack of concern or are we just a bunch of stupid people. if one of your children or grandchildren are the victims I bet you will be heard from loud and clear.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #6 By what justice

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I agree it is a sad day for Cornwall. As a native born and bred there, who moved away many years ago – I am following what is happening in my hometown. Seems like nothing has changed in the almost 40 years since I left!! Occassional visit to family – I am saddened about the goings on of the priests in Cornwall and the cover ups- however, this has been going on for years in other places across Canada and the US – even had movies about it – why does it take Cornwall so long to catch up with the rest of the world?

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #7 By majekin

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the citzens no the truth just ask them.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #8 By luckyred,

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Don’t forget the “Precious Reputation” that Cornwall has being trying to protect all of these years and yet those same citizens who bash “outsiders” for reminding them of their part or not in this and the “outsiders” seem to be the closest to the truth! How could ANYONE in the establishment NOT KNOW of this and to blame others or to deny or to intimidate, harrass, threaten and “computer glitch” the public in itself is a miscarriage of justice but of human rights. And I’m talking about the human rights of those who had been abused and they too, I would allege were also intimidated, harrassed, threatened, bribed, paid off, etc., etc., etc.! And I just noticed this just by mere coincidence that I didn’t see or hear from good old 2Faced or Itinerant, what’s up you two or is this even toooooooooooo much for even you to dolts to get? And you even managed to get Armegedon tossed, when he had more knowledge, compassion and sense than most of you all put together!! Congratulations, one person who could be of help and you screw him oooops, I forgot your “Precious Reputation”!

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #9 By saintpeter-47

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And to whatjustice, on your Post # 6, You are right on the money!!!! There are more people on this thread commenting on some stupid soccer field or ciggie smuggling or the St Lawrence River or whatever unimportant things that go on in Cornwall which includes this Gem, the “Precious Rep” of the Hole when the only “Precious Rep” you have is for those who bury their heads up their anuses and blame others for what YOU YOURSELVES neglected and still do to this very day. By the way, you DO have a “Precious Rep” but it’s for ALL OF THE WRONG REASONS! What a bunch of no good hypocrites most of you are!

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #10 By saintpeter-47,

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the citzens no the truth just ask them.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #8 By luckyred

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Don’t forget the “Precious Reputation” that Cornwall has being trying to protect all of these years and yet those same citizens who bash “outsiders” for reminding them of their part or not in this and the “outsiders” seem to be the closest to the truth! How could ANYONE in the establishment NOT KNOW of this and to blame others or to deny or to intimidate, harrass, threaten and “computer glitch” the public in itself is a miscarriage of justice but of human rights. And I’m talking about the human rights of those who had been abused and they too, I would allege were also intimidated, harrassed, threatened, bribed, paid off, etc., etc., etc.! And I just noticed this just by mere coincidence that I didn’t see or hear from good old 2Faced or Itinerant, what’s up you two or is this even toooooooooooo much for even you to dolts to get? And you even managed to get Armegedon tossed, when he had more knowledge, compassion and sense than most of you all put together!! Congratulations, one person who could be of help and you screw him oooops, I forgot your “Precious Reputation”!

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #9 By saintpeter-47

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And to whatjustice, on your Post # 6, You are right on the money!!!! There are more people on this thread commenting on some stupid soccer field or ciggie smuggling or the St Lawrence River or whatever unimportant things that go on in Cornwall which includes this Gem, the “Precious Rep” of the Hole when the only “Precious Rep” you have is for those who bury their heads up their anuses and blame others for what YOU YOURSELVES neglected and still do to this very day. By the way, you DO have a “Precious Rep” but it’s for ALL OF THE WRONG REASONS! What a bunch of no good hypocrites most of you are!

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #10 By saintpeter-47,

Priests’ view of new bishop

Bouchard combines ‘a great laugh’ with order and discipline

Western Catholic Reporter

Week of November 19, 2001

By RENATO GANDIA

WCR Staff Writer

Glen Walter, Ont.

Four seminarians in a house across from Ottawa’s Dominican College were able to it make to the priesthood without living in a seminary.Two of them have died, one was Father Denis Vaillancourt, chancellor of Alexandria-Cornwall Diocese and pastor of a parish in Glen Walter, Ont., and the other was Bishop Luc Bouchard, now bishop of St. Paul.

The residence at the Dominican College at that time was filled with seminarians of their own order, although diocesan seminarians and lay students were welcomed in the college.

Bouchard studied with the Dominicans while the other three were at St. Paul’s University with the Oblates.

Although they seldom saw each other during the day, as they were busy with school, they spent time together sharing highlights of their days while making supper. They took turns preparing meals.

When it was Bouchard’s turn, “rice, which he seems to favour instead of potatoes, would come up once in a while,” Vaillancourt said.

He was always serious with his studies, said Vaillancourt.

One night Bouchard did not return home from his class. “We were worried about him. Finally he called us from the hospital where he was admitted for some infection.”

Living in a house by themselves without the formation team looking over their shoulders, as opposed to being in a regular seminary, was quite a challenge because it demanded genuine dedication and passion for priestly formation.

Vaillancourt and Bouchard had known each other since the mid-1960s. Both attended Cornwall College. Vaillancourt was a boarder at the college while Bouchard lived with his family.

When the college closed in 1968, Vaillancourt lost track of Bouchard and later on they found themselves living in a house with two other seminarians, doing their theological studies.

Vaillancourt and Bouchard later on would both own cottages by the St. Lawrence River. They are neighbours.

During their summer holidays they would see each other often.

“I know he likes to go and swim. I always took him on my boat for a ride, which he really loves.”

“I know that he likes to receive friends and family to get together for a picnic and barbecue.”

One time, Bouchard had gone to Montreal driving his first car.

“I think he set his mind to keep (the car) as long as it possibly would run,” said Vaillancourt.

He did not make it home. The car gave up on him, so he had to hitch hike.

“Luckily, a car went by and recognized him as Father Bouchard, picked him up and took him home,” Vaillancourt laughed.

Bouchard has always been known to have an infectious laugh. And when a funny situation comes up he can laugh at himself.

If the people he has served as a priest love Bouchard, the priests he has worked with also admire him.

Not only is he a gifted homilist, “he is always concerned about the people, the welfare of his (parishioners),” Vaillancourt said.

Along with members of the community he started the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He called a retired teacher in the parish to urge him to become a permanent deacon.

“That was an asset for the parish and the diocese at large,” said Vaillancourt.

Father Laurier Rivet celebrated Masses with the four seminarians while they were in Ottawa.

“I remember him to be a serious student. He was not a joker or something,” Rivet told the WCR. “I can only say good things about him.”

Bouchard has always been a priest who is loved and respected by the people. He loved parish work and was always available for the people, said Rivet.

“I’ve always admired him for his pastoral zeal and dedication,” said Rivet.

Msgr. Rejean Lebrun said Bouchard “is the epitome of an excellent priest.” He is a scholarly person with strong pastoral sense and a man of prayer.

Bouchard strikes him as a serious man but he also knows that he loves to laugh and is a man of great order and discipline, which Lebrun says are qualities of a good bishop.

“He has a great understanding of what a priest is and should be. And I believe that’s why they appointed him rector of St. Joseph,” said Lebrun.

Lebrun is more than 10 years older than Bouchard but he remembers him to be a sharp and promising teenager.

“One of our priests said, “I have great hopes for Luc,'” said Lebrun. “He was very prophetic.”

Father Gordon Roebuck, a former student of Bouchard, had a chance to collaborate with him in ministry at Holy Trinity Parish in Spruce Grove.

“I think he is a very gentle man, a very loving man and a man who is pastoral in his outlook and in his attitudes,” said Roebuck.

While serving as rector of St. Joseph Seminary, Bouchard helped in Roebuck’s parish.

“I found him to be very faith-filled and he is always happy to share his love of Scriptures and his love of pastoral ministry.”

As a professor, Roebuck considers Bouchard to be “very thorough, . . . both enthusiastic and animated with his lectures.”

“He filled me with a new appreciation of our Scripture,” Roebuck added.

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